MTa Kando Lean

MTa KanDo Lean™

MTa KanDo Lean is an experiential lean game from MTa Learning. It is designed so you, as a facilitator, can help participants:

understand how lean processing can improve customer satisfaction, business performance and job satisfaction
think through how the principles of lean processing could be introduced into participants place of work

You can use our lean game with anyone in the office, factory or supply chain who needs to understand or influence:

Customer service
Process improvement
Continuous flow
Balancing workloads
Information flow
Pull systems
Visual control systems (kanbans).

The activity and support materials are designed to take your participants through a structured approach to learning that includes:

Activity
Review to develop learning
Implementation of learning

The design of the activity and the participants' workbooks structure the learning through 5 phases. The key elements raised by each phase are listed under the tabs below. The number of phases completed and their emphasis can be changed to suit the needs of the participants.

AFSO21-lean-game

KanDo Lean being used to introduce lean principles by the US Air Force. Photo from: www.af.mil

Learn more about the 5 phases of KanDo Lean:

Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Phase 5
Learning Transfer

Example learning points to look for in phase 1:

efficient layouts
understanding product specifications
definition of product quality
dealing with surplus materials

An example question from the phase 1 review sheet:

Would it have helped if you had discussed business or order processing issues with the customer? If so, what would you want to achieve from these discussions?

Our lean game in action at Britvic

Example learning points to look for in phase 2:

communicating with the customer
effective location and storage of components
problems with batch production and high WIP
internal communications
understanding priorities

An example question from the phase 2 review sheet:

There is likely to have been a lot of waste during phase 2. What was wasted or caused this waste?

Kando Lean at the University of Kent

Example learning points to look for in phase 3:

process design for market requirements
use of visual displays and pull systems
benefits of shorter lead times
overall capacity planning
work distribution and balance

An example question from the phase 3 review sheet:

Compare the work load in different areas. How well was it balanced? Were there any bottle necks or slack?

United Biscuits review phase 3

Example learning points to look for in phase 4:

coping with variable customer demand
alternative forms of Kanbans
one-piece flow and appropriate documentation systems
teamwork and flexibility
clear definition of responsibilities

An example question from the phase 4 review sheet:

If your customer demand quadrupled what are the advantages and disadvantages of: adding more people to existing work stations (and sub-divide the work) or having several work stations working in parallel?

Participants on a MTa demonstration workshop

Example learning points to look for in phase 5:

customer/supplier relationships
dealing with remote businesses
avoiding component shortages
simplifying the supply of components
supply chain information flow and constraints

An example question from the phase 5 review sheet:

How do you think the following could benefit by the effective implementation of the principles introduced in through KanDo Lean:

                  • Customers?
                  • Companies?
                  • Workers?
                  • Suppliers?

QCIT @ RAF Waddington prepare for phase 5

All phases of KanDo Lean encourage participants to think for themselves and challenge existing ideas, approaches and behaviours. KanDo Lean ends with a final questionnaire and discussion to consolidate this learning and encourage links to be made to the workplace:

it helps participants think through how the principles behind lean processing can be used
it focuses attention on participants place of work to see where and how lean processing might be able to help.

An example question from the learning transfer:

Remembering your learning today, if you were able to design your place of work from scratch what are the most important points that you should keep in mind?

MTa KanDo Lean comes with everything you need to run the activity, including:

a comprehensive facilitator' guide which includes full facilitator instructions, product information sheets and customer satisfaction sheets
16 individual workbooks that are both reference documents and personal records of participants' learning
3 boxes of over 300 durable plastic components for use as factory materials
kanban squares
sales order cards

Lean Game

"An excellent , stimulating and fun environment in which to learn"

Wendy Garner - Senior Lecturer, Coventry University

"Shows the advantages of visual systems and continuous improvement"

Arthur Pemberton Muller Ltd

"The class [using MTa Kando Lean] is an awesome hands-on learning opportunity for Airmen" 1st Lt. Andrew Acer US Airforce read more

"We use Kando Lean with clients as part of Lean training with all levels from MD to shop floor teams - simply a GREAT tool"

Chris McKellen - Manufacturing Awareness

"It was a stretching brief from Britvic – help establish fresh production thinking for 70 people in just two hours but your team delivered it expertly. Had lots of positive feedback – we now intend to incorporate Kando Lean into our Line Leader development programme"

Ếamonn Dunlea, Continous Improvement Manager
Britvic Soft Drinks